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Great British Bake Off host Noel Fielding struggled to bond with judge Paul Hollywood

New Great British Bake Off co-stars Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood apparently struggled to hit it off when they first met.

The comedian already has some incredibly big shoes to fill after replacing the iconic duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as host, but he also has the added pressure of getting along with all his new co-stars.

The dynamic between the judges and presenters is one of the main reasons Bake Off is so dearly loved and so Noel will have been conscious of making a good impression on baking legend Paul.

However, the two reportedly got off to a bumpy start when they began working on the upcoming Channel 4 series together. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Noel has confided in pals that he and Paul weren’t instantly on the same page.

“They’re chalk and cheese. Noel is offbeat, whereas Paul can be gruff and by-the- book. When they met, Noel realised how little they have in common.

“Paul is a total petrolhead, so to break the ice, he asked Noel if he likes cars. Noel told him he doesn’t drive.

“There were a few tumbleweed moments like that. There was never any tension but it wasn’t the love-in Paul had with Mel and Sue and Mary Berry.”

It may take a while for a friendship to warm up between the pair, but at least Noel has one admirer in the form of new judge Prue Leith.

The two have apparently been engaging in some flirtatious banter and the Mighty Boosh star has even boasted that the 77-year-old fancies him.

The source continued: “She seems to have been totally charmed. Noel jokes that she fancies him. It may be wishful thinking.”